Dan Kubas-Meyer will officially step down on October 31
WARWICK, R.I. – The President and CEO of Thrive Behavioral Health, Dan Kubas-Meyer is announcing his retirement after seven years at the helm of one of RI’s leading providers of comprehensive mental health services.
For four decades, Kubas-Meyer has dedicated his life to advocating for behavioral healthcare and housing. In fact, he began his career as a Peace Corps volunteer in the Philippines. Formerly the Executive Director of Riverwood Mental Health Services in Warren, Kubas-Meyer became President and CEO of The Kent Center when it merged with Riverwood in June 2017 and was subsequently rebranded as Thrive Behavioral Health.
“I’ve had the privilege of crossing paths with so many remarkable people over the past 40 years that have influenced me as a leader and fueled my passion to change the narrative of behavioral healthcare. I am proud to have led an organization that has been truly responsive to the needs of clients and the community,” said Dan Kubas-Meyer, the CEO of Thrive Behavioral Health. “I am grateful for the relentless dedication of the incredible staff and the culture of delivering high quality, person-centric care that we have created together. Over the next few months I look forward to ensuring a seamless transition as Thrive transforms into one of the state’s leading Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinics.”
During his tenure, Kubas-Meyer successfully managed the merger of two organizations and helped create greater service offerings and a broader statewide footprint for Thrive. In 2007, Riverwood piloted the housing first approach addressing those experiencing chronic homelessness. The program has been one of the most successful in the state, providing low barrier housing support. In addition, Kubas-Meyer facilitated the development of a positive and inclusive organizational culture where staff and clients are encouraged to maintain a positive work and life balance. Kubas-Meyer also guided the organization through the COVID-19 pandemic, using innovative technology to provide virtual care, and empowering both clients and staff. In 2018, under his leadership, Thrive applied and was awarded an expansion grant from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration to begin establishing programs and infrastructure to ultimately transform into a Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic (CCBHC). This new model broke down barriers to access and coordinated comprehensive health care for more Rhode Islanders.
“We are deeply grateful for Dan Kubas-Meyer’s exceptional leadership, professional integrity and dedication to the mission of Thrive Behavioral Health,” said Jennifer Wheelehon, Chair of the Board for Thrive Behavioral Health. “Under his guidance, Thrive has become a leader in mental health and substance use services in Rhode Island and a visible advocate for the thousands of individuals and families that need these services. We wish Dan all the best in his well-deserved retirement.“
Kubas-Meyer serves on the Board of Directors for Integrated Health Partners, Horizon Health Partners, Leadership Council, Blackstone Valley Realty Corps, and Horizon Pharmacy and is a past-chair of the East Bay Chamber of Commerce and past-president of the First Unitarian Church of Providence. He has been a surveyor for the Commission on the Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF) since 2006.
Kubas-Meyer’s last day will be on October 31, 2024. The search for his replacement is ongoing. All applications can be submitted here.
About Thrive Behavioral Health:
Thrive offers a comprehensive range of evidence based, personalized services to children, families and adults who have been impacted by mental illness, addiction or trauma. Their services are recovery focused. They help build resilience in individuals and provide clients with support, skills and tools to make positive and lasting change in their lives for healthy, happy and productive futures.
Thrive is a founding member of Horizon Healthcare Partners. They are one of the first nationally Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinics in Rhode Island. They are licensed by the Rhode Island Department of Behavioral Healthcare, Developmental Disabilities and Hospitals. Their programs are accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF).
For more information, visit https://www.thrivebhri.org/